Career and Education Opportunities for Set and Exhibit Designers in El Monte, California

Set and exhibit designers can find many career and educational opportunities in the El Monte, California area. About 2,300 people are currently employed as set and exhibit designers in California. By 2016, this is expected to grow by 17% to about 2,700 people employed. This is better than the national trend for set and exhibit designers, which sees this job pool growing by about 16.6% over the next eight years. In general, set and exhibit designers design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets.

Set and exhibit designers earn approximately $24 hourly or $50,930 annually on average in California. Nationally they average about $21 per hour or $44,660 annually. Earnings for set and exhibit designers are not quite as good as earnings in the general category of Art and Design in California and not quite as good as general Art and Design category earnings nationally. Set and exhibit designers work in a variety of jobs, including: presentation specialist, scenic designer, and design chief.

The El Monte area is home to 210 schools of higher education, including twenty-four within twenty-five miles of El Monte where you can get a degree as a set and exhibit designer. Set and exhibit designers usually hold a Bachelor's degree, so it will take about four years to learn to be a set and exhibit designer if you already have a high school diploma.

CAREER DESCRIPTION: Set and Exhibit Designer

Set and Exhibit Designer video from the State of New Jersey Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development

In general, set and exhibit designers design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. They also may study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Set and exhibit designers estimate set- or exhibit-related costs including materials and rental of props or locations. They also direct and schedule construction, erection, or decoration efforts in order to insure that sets or exhibits meet layout and schedule requirements. Equally important, set and exhibit designers have to talk with clients and staff so as to gather data related to exhibit space, proposed themes and content and/or promotion requirements. They are often called upon to acquire, or manage acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to finish exhibits. They are expected to submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions. Finally, set and exhibit designers design for location-specific issues such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.

Every day, set and exhibit designers are expected to be able to visualize how things come together and can be organized. They need to articulate ideas and problems. It is also important that they listen to and understand others in meetings.

It is important for set and exhibit designers to layout and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows or event locations such as streets and fairgrounds. They are often called upon to direct the removal of sets and exhibits after productions or events are complete. They also research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for data as needed. They are sometimes expected to decide on and purchase lumber and hardware needed for set construction. Somewhat less frequently, set and exhibit designers are also expected to observe sets during rehearsals in order to insure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.

and design set designs on the basis of evaluation of scripts and available locations. And finally, they sometimes have to ready rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans and properties to be constructed.

Like many other jobs, set and exhibit designers must believe in innovation and creative thought and be thorough and dependable.

Audio Visual Technician. Set up or set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. May also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.

Camera Operator. Operate television, video, or motion picture camera to photograph images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, or motion pictures.

Choreographer. Create and teach dance. May direct and stage presentations.

Craftsman. Create or reproduce hand-made objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, and needlecraft.

Graphic Designer. Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Industrial Designer. Develop and design manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

Interior Designer. Plan, design, and furnish interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. Formulate design which is practical, aesthetic, and conducive to intended purposes, such as raising productivity, selling merchandise, or improving life style. May specialize in a particular field, style, or phase of interior design.

Multi-Media Artist or Animator. Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, and commercials.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES: Set and Exhibit Designer Training

Long Beach City College - Long Beach, CA

Long Beach City College, 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808-1706. Long Beach City College is a large college located in Long Beach, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 26,097 students. Long Beach City College has 2 areas of study related to Set and Exhibit Designer. They are:

Design and Visual Communications, associate's degree.

Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology, associate's degree.

Los Angeles City College - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles City College, 855 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029. Los Angeles City College is a large college located in Los Angeles, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 17,310 students. Los Angeles City College has an associate's degree program in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.

Westwood College-South Bay - Torrance, CA

Westwood College-South Bay, 19700 S. Vermont Avenue, Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90502. Westwood College-South Bay is a small college located in Torrance, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs and has 620 students. Westwood College-South Bay has a bachelor's degree program in Design and Visual Communications which graduated eight students in 2008.

ITT Technical Institute-Torrance - Torrance, CA

ITT Technical Institute-Torrance, 20050 S. Vermont Ave, Torrance, CA 90502. ITT Technical Institute-Torrance is a small school located in Torrance, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 897 students and an admission rate of 44%. ITT Technical Institute-Torrance has an associate's degree program in Design and Visual Communications.

ITT Technical Institute-Sylmar - Sylmar, CA

ITT Technical Institute-Sylmar, 12669 Encinitas Ave, Sylmar, CA 91342-3664. ITT Technical Institute-Sylmar is a small school located in Sylmar, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 999 students and an admission rate of 58%. ITT Technical Institute-Sylmar has an associate's degree program in Design and Visual Communications.

Citrus College - Glendora, CA

Citrus College, 1000 W Foothill Blvd, Glendora, CA 91741-1899. Citrus College is a large college located in Glendora, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 13,501 students. Citrus College has a two to four year program in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.

Mt Sierra College - Monrovia, CA

Mt Sierra College, 101 E Huntington Dr, Monrovia, CA 91016. Mt Sierra College is a small college located in Monrovia, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 458 students and an admission rate of 85%. Mt Sierra College has 2 areas of study related to Set and Exhibit Designer. They are:

Design and Visual Communications, bachelor's degree which graduated 13 students in 2008.

Design and Applied Arts, Other Specialties, bachelor's degree which graduated 5 students in 2008.

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles, 919 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015-1421. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles is a small school located in Los Angeles, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 4,800 students and an admission rate of 70%. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising-Los Angeles has an associate's degree program in Design and Visual Communications which graduated 239 students in 2008.

Platt College-Los Angeles - Alhambra, CA

Platt College-Los Angeles, 1000 South Fremont Avenue, A9w, Alhambra, CA 91803. Platt College-Los Angeles is a small college located in Alhambra, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs and has 160 students. Platt College-Los Angeles has less than one year, one to two year, and bachelor's degree programs in Design and Visual Communications which graduated ten, five, and six students respectively in 2008.

University of Southern California - Los Angeles, CA

University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089. University of Southern California is a large university located in Los Angeles, California. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 33,747 students and an admission rate of 22%. University of Southern California has a bachelor's degree program in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology which graduated six students in 2008.

El Camino Community College District - Torrance, CA

El Camino Community College District, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90506. El Camino Community College District is a large college located in Torrance, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 26,825 students. El Camino Community College District has a less than one year and a two to four year program in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology which graduated one and zero students respectively in 2008.

Pepperdine University - Malibu, CA

Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90263. Pepperdine University is a medium sized university located in Malibu, California. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 7,170 students and an admission rate of 35%. Pepperdine University has a bachelor's degree program in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology which graduated one student in 2008.

University of California-Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA

University of California-Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1405. University of California-Los Angeles is a large university located in Los Angeles, California. It is a public school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 37,782 students and an admission rate of 24%. University of California-Los Angeles has a bachelor's degree and a master's degree program in Design and Applied Arts, Other Specialties which graduated forty-one and ten students respectively in 2008.

Los Angeles Pierce College - Woodland Hills, CA

Los Angeles Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91371-0002. Los Angeles Pierce College is a large college located in Woodland Hills, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 21,832 students. Los Angeles Pierce College has an associate's degree program in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.

Otis College of Art and Design - Los Angeles, CA

Otis College of Art and Design, 9045 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045-3505. Otis College of Art and Design is a small college located in Los Angeles, California. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 1,206 students and an admission rate of 53%. Otis College of Art and Design has 2 areas of study related to Set and Exhibit Designer. They are:

Design and Visual Communications, bachelor's degree which graduated 11 students in 2008.

Design and Applied Arts, Other Specialties, bachelor's degree which graduated 12 students in 2008.

Pasadena City College - Pasadena, CA

Pasadena City College, 1570 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106-2003. Pasadena City College is a large college located in Pasadena, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 26,453 students. Pasadena City College has one to two year, associate's degree, and two to four year programs in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology which graduated one, zero, and zero students respectively in 2008.

American Intercontinental University - Los Angeles, CA

American Intercontinental University, 12655 West Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. American Intercontinental University is a small university located in Los Angeles, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs and has 377 students. American Intercontinental University has an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree program in Design and Visual Communications which graduated zero and twelve students respectively in 2008.

Westwood College-Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA

Westwood College-Los Angeles, 3250 Wilshire Blvd Ste 400, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Westwood College-Los Angeles is a small college located in Los Angeles, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 1,046 students and an admission rate of 37%. Westwood College-Los Angeles has a bachelor's degree program in Design and Visual Communications which graduated seventeen students in 2008.

Brooks College - Long Beach, CA

Brooks College, 4825 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804. Brooks College is a small college located in Long Beach, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 2-year programs and has 32 students. Brooks College has an associate's degree program in Design and Visual Communications which graduated forty-two students in 2008.

Los Angeles Valley College - Valley Glen, CA

Los Angeles Valley College, 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096. Los Angeles Valley College is a large college located in Valley Glen, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 18,550 students. Los Angeles Valley College has an associate's degree program in Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.

California Institute of the Arts - Valencia, CA

California Institute of the Arts, 24700 W McBean Pky, Valencia, CA 91355-2397. California Institute of the Arts is a small school located in Valencia, California. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 1,374 students and an admission rate of 37%. California Institute of the Arts has 2 areas of study related to Set and Exhibit Designer. They are:

Art Center College of Design, 1700 Lida St, Pasadena, CA 91103. Art Center College of Design is a small college located in Pasadena, California. It is a private not-for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 1,760 students and an admission rate of 60%. Art Center College of Design has 2 areas of study related to Set and Exhibit Designer. They are:

Design and Visual Communications, master's degree which graduated 13 students in 2008.

Illustration, bachelor's degree which graduated 277 students in 2008.

ITT Technical Institute-San Dimas - San Dimas, CA

ITT Technical Institute-San Dimas, 650 W. Cienega Ave., San Dimas, CA 91773. ITT Technical Institute-San Dimas is a small school located in San Dimas, California. It is a private for-profit school with primarily 4-year or above programs. It has 1,010 students and an admission rate of 48%. ITT Technical Institute-San Dimas has an associate's degree program in Design and Visual Communications.

Mt San Antonio College - Walnut, CA

Mt San Antonio College, 1100 N Grand Ave, Walnut, CA 91789-1399. Mt San Antonio College is a large college located in Walnut, California. It is a public school with primarily 2-year programs and has 30,439 students. Mt San Antonio College has 2 areas of study related to Set and Exhibit Designer. They are:

Design and Visual Communications, less than one year and two to four year which graduated two and zero students respectively in 2008.

Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology, two to four year.

LOCATION INFORMATION: El Monte, California

El Monte, California photo by Bobak

El Monte is located in Los Angeles County, California. It has a population of over 121,791, which has grown by 5.0% over the last ten years. The cost of living index in El Monte, 150, is far greater than the national average. New single-family homes in El Monte are valued at $172,500 on average, which is far less than the state average. In 2008, thirty-three new homes were built in El Monte, down from ninety-nine the previous year.

The three big industries for women in El Monte are apparel, health care, and educational services. For men, it is construction, administrative and support and waste management services, and accommodation and food services. The average travel time to work is about 27 minutes. More than 7.1% of El Monte residents have a bachelor's degree, which is lower than the state average. The percentage of residents with a graduate degree, 2.0%, is lower than the state average.

The unemployment rate in El Monte is 15.5%, which is greater than California's average of 12.3%.

The percentage of El Monte residents that are affiliated with a religious congregation, 58.1%, is more than both the national and state average. Trinity Reformed Church, Immanuel Episcopal Church and El Monte Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church are some of the churches located in El Monte. The largest religious groups are the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention and the LDS (Mormon) Church.

El Monte is home to the El Monte Branch County of Los Angeles Public Library and the Norwood Branch County of Los Angeles Public Library as well as Arceo Park and Pioneer Park. Shopping centers in the area include Five Points Plaza Shopping Center and El Monte Shopping Center.